This running back class has often gotten the reputation of being relatively weak at the top. While that might be true, from a metrics standpoint there are a slew of interesting players to analyze from scat backs that play like bruisers to big backs that don’t play as powerfully as they should. When breaking down running backs, whether it is on film or analytically, it’s often hard to separate performance from their offensive line. By narrowing the scope of the metrics to focus on small segments of play, we can at least try to remove as much of that as possible. Of course, it’ll never be able to control completely for line play, so use these numbers as a complement to film study rather than a hard and fast ranking.

I hand charted every game for each running back. There are some categories that are a bit more subjective, such as broken tackles – but the same methodology has been applied to each RB. Stats like YPC and % of runs by distance may vary slightly from play-by-play data which sometimes may contain information that doesn’t match up with what’s on tape.
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Sankey gets stopped short quite a bit according to this metric, yet he is shooting up everyone's boards as the potential #1 RB now.

I'll still take Hyde.

IMO, it's because he has proven that he has a three-down skill set. He also has good size and great athleticism. He reminds me of Bengals RB Gio Bernard, who was the 1st back selected last year. He fits the mold of the more modern RB that is starting to take over the league while downhill runners like Hyde are starting to be phased out.

As far as the metrics go, let's remember that Ohio State, LSU, Auburn, and Baylor will all have O-Linemen drafted this year. Sankey probably played behind the worst O-Line of the guys listed here.

IMO, it's because he has proven that he has a three-down skill set. He also has good size and great athleticism. He reminds me of Bengals RB Gio Bernard, who was the 1st back selected last year. He fits the mold of the more modern RB that is starting to take over the league while downhill runners like Hyde are starting to be phased out.

As far as the metrics go, let's remember that Ohio State, LSU, Auburn, and Baylor will all have O-Linemen drafted this year. Sankey probably played behind the worst O-Line of the guys listed here.

Look at the rushing leaders from last year. Of the 13 RB's who rushed for 1,000+ yards, only 1 (Lacy) weighed over 220 lbs. Hyde weighed in at 230 at the Combine. The only RB's in the top 20 in rushing that are close to his size were Lacy, Zac Stacy, and Le'Veon Bell.

I'm not saying that Hyde will not be successful or that Sankey will be more successful. I'm just saying, the trend at RB in the NFL has switched to smaller and more versatile guys over the recent years. IMO, that's the reason why people seem higher on Sankey than Hyde.

Look at the rushing leaders from last year. Of the 13 RB's who rushed for 1,000+ yards, only 1 (Lacy) weighed over 220 lbs. Hyde weighed in at 230 at the Combine. The only RB's in the top 20 in rushing that are close to his size were Lacy, Zac Stacy, and Le'Veon Bell.

I'm not saying that Hyde will not be successful or that Sankey will be more successful. I'm just saying, the trend at RB in the NFL has switched to smaller and more versatile guys over the recent years. IMO, that's the reason why people seem higher on Sankey than Hyde.

I respect your opinion and I hear what you're saying. After the draft (depending on where they go) let's pride bet who has the better season.

Often times when I split positions into groups for these pieces I do so based on play style more than perceived talent. However, the first group of running backs I wrote on, including players like Carlos Hyde, Lache Seastrunk and Tre Mason presented better metrics in nearly every category than the second tier Iím writing about here. Thatís not to say that these players are going to project poorly to the NFL, but that there are far more question marks here than with the first group. Sort through the data and compare it to what you see on tape to get a full evaluation on these players.

I hand charted every game for each running back. There are some categories that are a bit more subjective, such as broken tackles Ė but the same methodology has been applied to each RB. Stats like YPC and % of runs by distance may vary slightly from play-by-play data which sometimes may contain information that doesnít match up with whatís on tape.

If Hill didn't have his background of being really immature and getting into fights at bars, he would probably be the first RB taken. As it is, I probably wouldn't touch him before the 4th/5th - and I say this as an LSU fan. =/